Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has stirred controversy after alleging that the Oyo State Government may have had a hand in the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on June 1, 2026, Fayose questioned the response of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to the May 15 attack on three schools near Ogbomoso.

The attack, carried out by armed gunmen, reportedly resulted in the abduction of about 40 pupils and teachers. One person was killed during the incident, while another was reportedly beheaded, triggering widespread outrage and concern across the state.

Fayose suggested that the state government’s handling of the crisis raised questions and alleged that there may have been more to the incident than had been publicly disclosed. However, he did not provide evidence to support the claim, and the allegation remains unproven.

The comments quickly generated reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the former governor for making such assertions without presenting proof. Others called for security agencies to focus on rescuing the victims rather than engaging in political exchanges.

In response to the growing security concerns, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed federal intervention efforts. The President dispatched senior government officials to coordinate rescue operations and approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with Oyo State authorities.

A special rescue team was also deployed to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. President Tinubu assured affected families that the victims had not been forgotten and pledged continued support for efforts to bring them home safely.

Meanwhile, pressure has continued to mount on authorities following an indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State and a series of youth-led protests demanding urgent action to secure the release of the captives.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not officially responded to Fayose’s allegations. Security agencies also have not indicated any evidence linking state officials to the abduction.

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting schools and vulnerable communities.

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